Reinventing Carrying Capacity for Living Heritage Sites

This study develops a novel framework for carrying capacity assessment based on the historic centre of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By involving residents, local staff, spillover dynamics and sentiment analysis, it advances traditional methodologies and offers a holistic approach to sustainable tourism management. The model strikes a balance between the development of tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage by taking into account overcrowding, infrastructure congestion and stakeholder tolerance. The scenario analysis provides actionable strategies to reduce congestion and increase resilience. In line with the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Toolkit, this approach provides a replicable model for balancing tourism development with heritage conservation and provides practical lessons for other living heritage cities facing similar pressures.